Payton Pierce

Payton Pierce is a linebacker for Ohio State, listed at 6-foot-2 (74 inches), 223 pounds, and wearing jersey No. 26. Born in Lucas, Texas, Pierce has been an active roster player in the Big Ten and is tracked as a sophomore in the detailed player listing. In the 2025 regular season, Pierce appeared in 10 games and made 3 starts, showing an expanding Player Position and Role on Team within the defense. His 2025 Payton Pierce stats include 32 combined tackles (16 solo, 16 assists), along with 1 tackle for loss (1 yard). In coverage, he recorded 1 interception and 1 pass defended. That interception produced 15 return yards on a single return (15.0 yards per return, long of 15). Pierce also contributed on special teams with 3 special-teams tackles. He totaled 0.0 sacks and 0 quarterback hits in the available season log, with no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries recorded. This Payton Pierce NCAAF profile reflects a 2025 college football season highlighted by tackle production and a logged takeaway with return yardage, forming the core of his Payton Pierce career highlights to date.